Only global powerhouses Godolphin and Coolmore are yet to announce their Everest runners after Mulberry Racing confirmed its own colours will be carried by Jedibeel in the $20 million sprint.
The announcement on Sunday came on the heels of Yulong sprinter Magic Time, from the in-form Grahame Begg stable, being named by Inglis in its slot.
“She leaves for Sydney this week and she’ll be in her usual box up there,” Begg said.
“Michael Dee will ride her. It would be impossible to get him off her because he said after the Manikato Stakes [third], ‘just get her an Everest slot.’
“She has a good Randwick record and we’d love to see a little rain around in Sydney.”
Mulberry Racing boss Michael Gregg has been a major backer of Brad Widdup’s Hawkesbury operation, and Jedibeel gives the talented horseman his first Everest runner.
“The slot wasn’t bought for Jedibeel – he had to earn his way into it,” Widdup said. “They looked at plenty of other horses, but he’s been there all along running good races.”
Jedibeel was fourth behind Briasa in Saturday’s Premiere Stakes, beaten three lengths, and will give Mulberry what a lot of other slot-holders dream of – their own horse in their own slot.
“He probably should have finished closer to Briasa and Jimmystar and run third on Saturday,” Widdup said. “I know it’s going to be tough to bridge that gap, but Jedibeel won’t disgrace himself in The Everest.”
“Kerrin McEvoy has won the race three times and he’s going to ride him.”
Mulberry’s racing manager Lachlan Sheridan said they had also reached out to Charm Stone and Baraqiel during the process.
“Jedibeel was always an option when we started looking for a horse,” Sheridan said. “We were a little behind the eight ball because we started later than everyone else.”
“It’ll be great to see Jedibeel in The Everest, but we’re already working on next year.”
There are also concerns around Galaxy winner Private Harry, who holds the Yulong slot, after he pulled up 2/5 lame following his run in the Premiere Stakes.
Everest Slots and current Bet365 Prices
Hong Kong Jockey Club – Ka Ying Rising – $1.70
Chris Waller Racing – Joliestar – $8
Max Whitby & Partners – Briasa – $8
Fairway Thoroughbreds – Lady Shenandoah – $11
TAB – Jimmystar – $11
James Harron – Angel Capital – $13
Inglis – Magic Time – $34
Yulong – Private Harry – $51
Newgate – Overpass – $26
Mulberry Racing – Jedibeel – $51
Godolphin – TBA
Coolmore – TBA
